In pictures: 10-men Royals sunk by Derby

But the match swung after the interval, with the visitors taking of advantage of their extra man. They controlled the majority of possession and eventually found a way through when Chris Martin set up Ince to score the winner.

“We were the team on the front foot 11 against 11,” said Clarke. “I thought we played really well again first half. Some of the movement and passing was good. The dynamic was good.

“But playing 11 against 10 is difficult against a really good team - and Derby will be a really good team this season, they will end up in the top six.

“But even in the second half I thought we did OK. It’s disappointing to lose the game, but there was a lot to like about our display.”